Hudson, New York is the place to start your journey in the Hudson Valley. My husband and I recently visited the historic and revitalized river village and I must say—this town was a huge hit for us. I'm planning my return already.

There is a feeling abuzz in town—you can't not notice it. City-folk have moved in to renovate historic properties and have opened their doors to an outstanding number of antique and design shops.

Even the former bassist from Hole and the Smashing Pumpkins has had her hand in some reno-action with her gut renovation of the Basilica Hudson, a former glue factory turned art, production, and performance space that boasts exhibitions, food, and film festivals.

Hudson was originally settled as a whaling town in the late 1700's by Nantucket expats. Ranging in styles from Federal to Queen Anne's to Craftsman, the streets are peppered with eye-catching architecture...

I had no idea how many antique stores Hudson boasts (more than you can thoroughly plummet in a morning). Nor did I expect such an inspiring experience window-shopping, antiquing, and ogling my way through the shops along Warren Street, the main drag. Here are my faves…

Nota Bene

I am sure there are so many meals at Le Gamin worth trying, but I'd be hard pressed to deviate from what may be the perfect spread: a carrot curry soup alongside an endive salad with lavender dressing, finished off with a mushroom crepe dressed in a magical béchamel sauce. Now that's lunch.